What do you think?
Rate this book
Protection Specialists #3
The Doctor's Defender
As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead. It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes. Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7. At first, Brenda doesn't think too-handsome Kyle Martin is right for the job. Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe. With every attempt on her life, she's more drawn to the strong and silent man who risks his life for hers. But their growing feelings could put them both in harm's way.
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Terri Reed
209 books3,211 followersNew York Times bestselling author Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publishers Weekly top 10 Romance Mass Market Paperback and Publishers Weekly top 10 Religion Fiction, Nielsen’s Bookscan top 50, Amazon #1 Bestseller, featured in USA Today and a Fresh Pick at FreshFiction.com. Her 2016 novel, A Family Under the Christmas Tree, was adapted into the Hallmark movie and retitled Picture a Perfect Christmas.
She resides in the Pacific Northwest with her college-sweetheart husband and when not writing, she enjoys agility with her Australian shepherd.
For updates about Terri and her books sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ihz48q
Be sure to follow Terri on BookBub for updates on her new releases
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terri...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 14, 2021
For a Love Inspired novel, the story was well thought out and the details of the mystery plausible. The characters were well developed and caused you to read more.
March 27, 2014
Ever notice how they spin the truth a bit in the synopsis to get you to read stuff? Well this time it worked.
As a trauma surgeon, (Actually she's just a general surgeon, not a trauma surgeon. There IS a difference) Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead. It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes. Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7. At first, Brenda doesn't think too-handsome Kyle Martin is right for the job. (she was in denial because he was actually a total hottie that she was trying not to swoon over) Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe. (Actually, she doesn't really. We all just get a general overview of what it was he used to do for a living) With every attempt on her life, she's more drawn to the strong and silent man (he is in NO way silent) who risks his life for hers. But their growing feelings could put them both in harm's way. (uuuhhhh, how, people would be shooting at them not matter what. they WANT to kill her)
Well that was fun. Aside from the slightly misleading synopsis the publishing company made up, this book was pretty darn good for a Christian Suspense Romance. You didn't actually get to figure out who the killer was until the very end because our main character had no idea and there wasn't any 'from the killer's point of view' going on. Absolutely lovely! In fact, for that I am bumping my score to 4 stars right now. Also, the author didn't beat you over the head with the whole religious 'convert now' stuff. It was so well incorporated into her story you just naturally went with it because it was just a piece of who the characters were as people. Even the Doc who finally decided to 'accept' God into her life was well done and believable through the whole process. More points to the author!
So to the characters. Brenda is an uptight, standoffish lady at the beginning of the book. She has no real friends, only acquaintances or coworker pleasantries. She's so practical that her apartment/condo looks like a showroom, with the only personal items being a family picture over the mantle...and her purse. Obviously she's thrown her whole life into her career, wanting to live up to her father's expectations and win his approval. While this issue never actually gets resolved, the reader notices some things about her relationship with her parents that Brenda doesn't, like her need for perfection has actually interfered with the relationship with her father, who does love her very much. Character flaws, LOVE IT! Another thing I love, she cool-headed, smart, and handles pressure pretty well. Finally, a lead woman who is capable and once or twice saves her 'knight in shining armor' from potential death. DOUBLE LOVE IT!!!
Kyle, is our lead man. Ex-navy underwater demo dude who also likes to keep most people at arms length. But unlike Brenda, he does have a few friends and definitely considers his coworkers among them. Despite the initial surfer lingo he uses at the beginning (he quickly knocks that stuff off), I actually found myself liking him. Kind, capable, calm, super in shape, and reassuring he is a steadfast bodyguard who does his job perfectly...well almost perfectly, but no one is perfect. Thank you to the author for remembering that!
I must say, I was impressed with the amount of time that went into the book. The author obviously put a lot effort into this book and it shows. Unlike a lot of other books that run along the same lines, the author didn't just slap this puppy together and call it finished. How can I tell? Well, first everything on the sailboat was called by its correct name, second the gun handling lesson was described correctly and in detail, third is that the story was smooth to read, there weren't too many grammar mistakes that made me want to grind my teeth to nothing and at no point did I think to myself 'no one would say that' or 'totally not realistic'. Kudos!
And another BIG thanks to the author for avoiding my ultimate pet peeve, insta-marriage!!! Thank you for stopping the book at their love confession to each other and not having a epilogue where they magically get married three months later. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! Now I can sit back and pretend that they dated for a year or two before he (or maybe she?) pops the marriage question and then had another year or so together before they got married and lived happily ever after. THANK YOU!!! More points to you, bringing you up to a 5 star rating.
Why five stars? Because one, it actually was suspenseful and full of action; two, the Doc was believable, capable and smart; three, the bodyguard was completely believable and also not stupid; four, there was obvious research or self acquired knowledge put into this book; five; no insta-marriage epilogue; and finally six; while this was a Christian fiction book it wasn't thrown in the readers face. Oh, and if someone asked for something that ran along the lines of this book, I'd totally recommend it! Therefore, 5 stars.
As a trauma surgeon, (Actually she's just a general surgeon, not a trauma surgeon. There IS a difference) Dr. Brenda Storm saves lives every day. But someone wants her dead. It starts with the anonymous delivery of poisoned cupcakes. Now the hospital has hired a bodyguard to protect her 24/7. At first, Brenda doesn't think too-handsome Kyle Martin is right for the job. (she was in denial because he was actually a total hottie that she was trying not to swoon over) Then she discovers his harrowing background—and that Kyle will do anything to keep her safe. (Actually, she doesn't really. We all just get a general overview of what it was he used to do for a living) With every attempt on her life, she's more drawn to the strong and silent man (he is in NO way silent) who risks his life for hers. But their growing feelings could put them both in harm's way. (uuuhhhh, how, people would be shooting at them not matter what. they WANT to kill her)
Well that was fun. Aside from the slightly misleading synopsis the publishing company made up, this book was pretty darn good for a Christian Suspense Romance. You didn't actually get to figure out who the killer was until the very end because our main character had no idea and there wasn't any 'from the killer's point of view' going on. Absolutely lovely! In fact, for that I am bumping my score to 4 stars right now. Also, the author didn't beat you over the head with the whole religious 'convert now' stuff. It was so well incorporated into her story you just naturally went with it because it was just a piece of who the characters were as people. Even the Doc who finally decided to 'accept' God into her life was well done and believable through the whole process. More points to the author!
So to the characters. Brenda is an uptight, standoffish lady at the beginning of the book. She has no real friends, only acquaintances or coworker pleasantries. She's so practical that her apartment/condo looks like a showroom, with the only personal items being a family picture over the mantle...and her purse. Obviously she's thrown her whole life into her career, wanting to live up to her father's expectations and win his approval. While this issue never actually gets resolved, the reader notices some things about her relationship with her parents that Brenda doesn't, like her need for perfection has actually interfered with the relationship with her father, who does love her very much. Character flaws, LOVE IT! Another thing I love, she cool-headed, smart, and handles pressure pretty well. Finally, a lead woman who is capable and once or twice saves her 'knight in shining armor' from potential death. DOUBLE LOVE IT!!!
Kyle, is our lead man. Ex-navy underwater demo dude who also likes to keep most people at arms length. But unlike Brenda, he does have a few friends and definitely considers his coworkers among them. Despite the initial surfer lingo he uses at the beginning (he quickly knocks that stuff off), I actually found myself liking him. Kind, capable, calm, super in shape, and reassuring he is a steadfast bodyguard who does his job perfectly...well almost perfectly, but no one is perfect. Thank you to the author for remembering that!
I must say, I was impressed with the amount of time that went into the book. The author obviously put a lot effort into this book and it shows. Unlike a lot of other books that run along the same lines, the author didn't just slap this puppy together and call it finished. How can I tell? Well, first everything on the sailboat was called by its correct name, second the gun handling lesson was described correctly and in detail, third is that the story was smooth to read, there weren't too many grammar mistakes that made me want to grind my teeth to nothing and at no point did I think to myself 'no one would say that' or 'totally not realistic'. Kudos!
And another BIG thanks to the author for avoiding my ultimate pet peeve, insta-marriage!!! Thank you for stopping the book at their love confession to each other and not having a epilogue where they magically get married three months later. Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!! Now I can sit back and pretend that they dated for a year or two before he (or maybe she?) pops the marriage question and then had another year or so together before they got married and lived happily ever after. THANK YOU!!! More points to you, bringing you up to a 5 star rating.
Why five stars? Because one, it actually was suspenseful and full of action; two, the Doc was believable, capable and smart; three, the bodyguard was completely believable and also not stupid; four, there was obvious research or self acquired knowledge put into this book; five; no insta-marriage epilogue; and finally six; while this was a Christian fiction book it wasn't thrown in the readers face. Oh, and if someone asked for something that ran along the lines of this book, I'd totally recommend it! Therefore, 5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2012
The Doctor Defender by Terri Reed
4 STARS It is a Protection Specialists series. I enjoyed it, but would have liked a little more information about the bad guys. Thier is nothing that should offend anyone in this book. Dr. Brenda Storm was trying to find a way to say no to a date with a fellow doctor when she got a delivery of Cupcakes in a fancy box. She did not want the calories so she offered the guard who brought up the delivery and the other doctor the cupcakes. Next the guard comes back to the doctors saying help and before long was dead. The cupcakes were poisoned. The hospital hires someone to be her bodyguard Kyle Martin. Kyle Martin takes her home to pack and her condo is trashed. He takes her to her parents house which they have a gated community and a security system in place. Brenda finds out while she is thier that her father has cancer. Her father was keeping it secret from her. Thier is another attempt on her life at the hospital and so they leave so other innocents won't be hurt. She does not take her phone but somehow she is easily followed around whereever they are. Kyle has good instincts but is having a hard time finding places that the bad guys don't find. Kyle belives in God answering prayers. He learned about God from someone else in the milatary with him and tells Dr. Brenda Strom a little when he offers to pray for her father to get better. Brenda has a hardtime believing in something she can't see. As Brenda life keeps getting in danger and Kyle keeps saving her they get closer and closer. They do have one kiss. Kyle knows that it is easy for someone to get close with thier bodyguard and warns himself why it would never work. The bad guy has a lot in his favor but Kyle is tough and keeps Brenda safe. Doctor Defender is action packed novel that I was given to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley, 09/03/2012 PUB Harlequin Harlequin Love Inspired
4 STARS It is a Protection Specialists series. I enjoyed it, but would have liked a little more information about the bad guys. Thier is nothing that should offend anyone in this book. Dr. Brenda Storm was trying to find a way to say no to a date with a fellow doctor when she got a delivery of Cupcakes in a fancy box. She did not want the calories so she offered the guard who brought up the delivery and the other doctor the cupcakes. Next the guard comes back to the doctors saying help and before long was dead. The cupcakes were poisoned. The hospital hires someone to be her bodyguard Kyle Martin. Kyle Martin takes her home to pack and her condo is trashed. He takes her to her parents house which they have a gated community and a security system in place. Brenda finds out while she is thier that her father has cancer. Her father was keeping it secret from her. Thier is another attempt on her life at the hospital and so they leave so other innocents won't be hurt. She does not take her phone but somehow she is easily followed around whereever they are. Kyle has good instincts but is having a hard time finding places that the bad guys don't find. Kyle belives in God answering prayers. He learned about God from someone else in the milatary with him and tells Dr. Brenda Strom a little when he offers to pray for her father to get better. Brenda has a hardtime believing in something she can't see. As Brenda life keeps getting in danger and Kyle keeps saving her they get closer and closer. They do have one kiss. Kyle knows that it is easy for someone to get close with thier bodyguard and warns himself why it would never work. The bad guy has a lot in his favor but Kyle is tough and keeps Brenda safe. Doctor Defender is action packed novel that I was given to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley, 09/03/2012 PUB Harlequin Harlequin Love Inspired
January 16, 2016
The Doctor’s Defender by Terri Reed
Protection Specialists Series Book 3
Dr Brenda Storm has a pretty routine life as a workaholic surgeon. One day everything changes when some cupcakes arrive for her. Suddenly people around her are dying, instead of her. As a treasured surgeon her boss hires protection for her from Trent Associates and her world tips all the way upside down when her new bodyguard enters her life. Now that she's facing death….Brenda realizes for the first time that she hasn’t been living….and that she wants to.
Kyle Martin is good at what he does. It keeps him busy and away from commitments but something about his new protectee has him wanting to slow down and enjoy her. He has to remind himself he does not want to settle down and more importantly….there is a killer out there and he has to focus on keeping the beautiful doctor alive and not on kissing her.
This was a book I didn’t want to put down. The characters are kept busy dodging bullets and trying to escape their unknown assailant. They are also busy trying to avoid cupids arrows. Kyle has God through all of this but Brenda is more of the scientific mind….if I can see it I’ll believe. Nothing like running for your life and worrying about what’s going on with your parents to see your need for God.
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Protection Specialists Series Book 3
Dr Brenda Storm has a pretty routine life as a workaholic surgeon. One day everything changes when some cupcakes arrive for her. Suddenly people around her are dying, instead of her. As a treasured surgeon her boss hires protection for her from Trent Associates and her world tips all the way upside down when her new bodyguard enters her life. Now that she's facing death….Brenda realizes for the first time that she hasn’t been living….and that she wants to.
Kyle Martin is good at what he does. It keeps him busy and away from commitments but something about his new protectee has him wanting to slow down and enjoy her. He has to remind himself he does not want to settle down and more importantly….there is a killer out there and he has to focus on keeping the beautiful doctor alive and not on kissing her.
This was a book I didn’t want to put down. The characters are kept busy dodging bullets and trying to escape their unknown assailant. They are also busy trying to avoid cupids arrows. Kyle has God through all of this but Brenda is more of the scientific mind….if I can see it I’ll believe. Nothing like running for your life and worrying about what’s going on with your parents to see your need for God.
**Received through NetGalley for review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
October 10, 2012
This was a good, quick read. Dr. Storm has upset someone badly. Apparently upset enough to want her dead! Poisoned cupcakes that were meant for her, find another target and the hospital brings in a bodyguard. Kyle is handsome but doesn't look the part of a bodyguard. The fact that Brenda is attracted to him isn't why she wants to keep him at arms-length...is it?
I liked Kyle. He was such an interesting personality. He was a 'goof' but joked to hide his emotions and to keep people from getting too close. When it came to the job though, there was no one better for it! Brenda was a good strong leading lady. I liked her question of faith. It wasn't simple or straightforward but it was a question that I'm sure a lot of people struggle with.
I rate this a 4/5. It was a solid Christian Suspense.
Thank you to netgalley for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I liked Kyle. He was such an interesting personality. He was a 'goof' but joked to hide his emotions and to keep people from getting too close. When it came to the job though, there was no one better for it! Brenda was a good strong leading lady. I liked her question of faith. It wasn't simple or straightforward but it was a question that I'm sure a lot of people struggle with.
I rate this a 4/5. It was a solid Christian Suspense.
Thank you to netgalley for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
June 24, 2013
Another great suspense book that I was sad to see end! I enjoyed the characters in this book. The lead female character is doctor in need of a 24/7 bodyguard. The reasons for the protection and the interaction of the two are what make this story so good. The story itself moves along quickly and the relationship develops in a believable manner. I enjoyed the conversations between the doctor and her bodyguard. I also thought the mystery was well played out in the story and ended in a satisfying way. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes Christian suspense novels.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
November 27, 2012
Pretty average fare of this type of book and - as often happens - I wonder, "Where was the editor?" At one point, the female protagonist offers to make a meal, telling everyone how good she is at making soup, and then makes a casserole. This is less the author's "fault" than the editors. It was also a little difficult to imagine the "bad guys" putting a tracker in a pager she always wore, and the chief "bad guy" the financial ability to do what is done. Both are possible, but highly improbable.
March 17, 2013
Love inspired series. Dr. Brenda Storm needs protection and a life away from the hospital. In walks her new bodyguard, Kyle, and the story begins. We "know" the how it will end, but the journey toward the end makes for a good story.
June 20, 2017
I love Kyle as a character, but I want to know more about his background, especially his twin sister Kaitlin. That said, I found the pacing of his relationship with Brenda to be convincing, although the sudden realization of love is forced.
August 2, 2017
I enjoyed this book. First book read by this author. This was a great suspense book. Very well written and kept my attention throughout the whole book. Love suspense with a little male/female attraction thrown in. Recommend this book!
December 9, 2012
Who's trying to kill the Dr? You'll have to read it if you want to find out. :) I've always enjoyed Terri Reed's story telling. Another fine one.
August 23, 2012
Very nice. Terrific elements of suspense and romance.
December 24, 2013
I think that it was the kind of book that kept you constantly wondering what's going to happen? Plus I love that the doctor fell in love with her defender!!!!
January 5, 2016
Very interested was definitely not predictable.
December 16, 2016
it was good in the sense that it was a chessy romance book but all together it was good
August 13, 2017
More nail-biting romantic suspense from a talented author!
September 22, 2012
This was okay; I wanted to like it more than I did. Our heroine Brenda is a bit uptight, but when her life gets thrown upside down by an attempted murder she starts to reevaluate things. I like the whole bodyguard storyline; I mean who wouldn’t want a super hot guy swooping in to protect you? So, I liked the premise, I liked them going on the run and all that jazz. I just thought the overall story was kind of slow with bursts of action thrown in here and there. I think I counted at least five attempts on Brenda’s life (Bad Guy needs to hire better assassins) and a few minor scares as well. The in-between stuff really started to drag about halfway through, which unfortunately coincides with when the preachy elements are introduced. I knew there would be some preaching, it’s not labeled “inspirational” for nothing, but to be honest I found it a bit cliché. While it is nice that they can come together in a spiritual way, it kind of made it hard to feel any romantic connection. I would have rather upped the romance and toned down the inspirational stuff.
I also thought her parent’s storyline kind of petered out, what was the point of having all that going on anyway? I also didn’t get the point of Kyle’s history, mainly in regards to his sister. I thought maybe we’d get to learn more about her at least, but nope. I just thought it was random and didn’t fit or pertain to the story.
I liked Kyle and Brenda though. I mean Kyle is hot and knows how to take care of business. I didn’t get why they were so hurt by past relationships and thought a little more time should have been spent there. They were nice together though and overall I did enjoy the story. It kept me entertained and I wanted to keep reading to see who was after Brenda.
Content: Clean. Violent elements and mild talk of child abuse.
I also thought her parent’s storyline kind of petered out, what was the point of having all that going on anyway? I also didn’t get the point of Kyle’s history, mainly in regards to his sister. I thought maybe we’d get to learn more about her at least, but nope. I just thought it was random and didn’t fit or pertain to the story.
I liked Kyle and Brenda though. I mean Kyle is hot and knows how to take care of business. I didn’t get why they were so hurt by past relationships and thought a little more time should have been spent there. They were nice together though and overall I did enjoy the story. It kept me entertained and I wanted to keep reading to see who was after Brenda.
Content: Clean. Violent elements and mild talk of child abuse.
October 17, 2013
"The Doctor's Defender" was a fantastic Christian romance suspense novel. It kept me on my toes and left me in suspense to the very end. The story line was wonderful and I absolutely loved the characters. Overall, it was definitely a worthwhile read!
July 15, 2013
I love Kyle as a character, but I want to know more about his background, especially his twin sister Kaitlin. That said, I found the pacing of his relationship with Brenda to be convincing, although the sudden realization of love is somewhat forced.
Read
March 15, 2017This was a good book in which I enjoyed reading very much.
February 28, 2021
Very good suspenseful novel. I loved the emotional growth of the doctor. I also liked the twists and turns till the true villain is figured out. Kept me up late reading to the end.
September 16, 2025
When I see a "deal" on a Kindle book and one written by author Terri Reed, AND the Harlequin Love Inspired logo ... it's not long until that book is in MY library. Especially if it's available from Kindle Unlimited.
Right now I'm taking a break from "heavy" books. One of my favorite genres is Christian mystery & suspense. I know a Terri Reed book will be an interesting, engaging read. And it was this time as well.
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded to 5 for sites only displaying round numbers.
Series: Protection Specialists Book 3
Pages: 221
Cover: Okay. It could have been improved on conveying the danger.
Publish Date: March 3, 2023
Right now I'm taking a break from "heavy" books. One of my favorite genres is Christian mystery & suspense. I know a Terri Reed book will be an interesting, engaging read. And it was this time as well.
Rating: 4.5 stars rounded to 5 for sites only displaying round numbers.
Series: Protection Specialists Book 3
Pages: 221
Cover: Okay. It could have been improved on conveying the danger.
Publish Date: March 3, 2023
August 18, 2021
Dr Brenda Storm has a hard time believing someone wants her dead. She has a job to do and no time for some man following her around all the time. Kyle Marten is good at his job and will do anything to keep the doctor safe. First he need to find a safe place for her until they find this person. This is a good mystery with personable characters and just enough disagreements to make it interesting. I've read many of Terri's novels and never disappointed.
October 14, 2025
great action!
Very action-filled. Very interesting. It’s the story of a well loved and respected surgeon who was threatened by a family member of one of her patients. A bodyguard was called in. Many twists and turns progressed to a final showdown. I found it interesting to see the in-depth ways used to protect her. It was easy to read it in one sitting. I’m already looking for more books by this author. Read it. You’ll be glad you did. Great job, Terri!
Very action-filled. Very interesting. It’s the story of a well loved and respected surgeon who was threatened by a family member of one of her patients. A bodyguard was called in. Many twists and turns progressed to a final showdown. I found it interesting to see the in-depth ways used to protect her. It was easy to read it in one sitting. I’m already looking for more books by this author. Read it. You’ll be glad you did. Great job, Terri!
April 9, 2024
Terri Reed is one of my favorite writers in the Love Inspired Suspense series. This novel is not a boring read because it is filled with action and suspense as someone tries to kill a female surgeon.
September 26, 2022
I found some parts of this story 📖 sad 😔. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme. I liked Kyle's character. I didn't like Brenda or how she treated Kyle.
August 19, 2025
Quick easy enjoyable read
July 16, 2021
Lots of intrigue and suspense that starts with innocent cupcakes. Your emotions will go on a roller coaster ride turning pages attempting to figure out who wants Dr. Brenda Storm dead. I enjoyed the relationship developing between Dr. Storm and her private bodyguard, Kyle Martin. You will also appreciate the sailboat details. Author Terri Reed certainly did her research.
August 18, 2012
I love the Love Inspired line in general, and I loved the main characters, Brenda & Kyle. They both seemed very likeable, although Brenda was pretty strained and under stress not only from her stalker. However, towards the middle of the book, I came across pages and pages of talking about G-d and religion that was just too obvious and to me seemed to preachy. While I believe in G-d, I was very annoyed with this "religion dumping" (very similar to info dumping) there. I tried to get back into the book for a few days now, but I just can't get over this. I start and put it down within minutes. A pity really, if you ask me.
September 3, 2012
This book tell the story of Brenda, whose life is in danger when someone is trying to kill her and Kyle who is hired to protect her. The author has brilliantly created a mystery over the person who wanted Brenda dead but it lack the ummph factors. In line with the romance genre, there was limited romantic scene between them. The author seems to focus more on both Kyle and Brenda's finding ways to outrun the killer. Overall, it was an average book to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews